Now, before you get all worked up over the word “craft”, let me reiterate what I said in this post. Crafts are not inherently evil. They’ve just gotten a bad rap because too many people have misused and abused them as a substitution for creative art experiences. Open-ended creative art activities should be the mainstay of a preschooler’s experiences, but occasional craft projects can be beneficial as well. There are simply a few things to consider before choosing a craft project for your children.
1) Is it developmentally appropriate? Meaning, you need to consider their developmental levels, their motor skills, interests, and attention spans, and decide if the project matches those needs. Think through the craft project and consider how much of the project the children can do on their own without undue frustration. If you have to do all the work, it really isn’t their project!
Real artists see beauty in the ordinary. Take your average kitchen utensils for example. Utilitarian and, well, ordinary. But if you look very closely they are full of different edges and shapes, patterns and textures. Gather a few kitchen instruments for some kitchen prints! (It’s best if these utensils can be devoted to art and sensory activities. Most washable paints will wash off of utensils, but if you can, it’s best to have separate sets.) I found interesting prints by using spatulas, pastry blenders, potato mashers, whisks, cups, pizza cutters, and even forks.
